Wales brush aside Japan in Hong Kong

Wales had to overcome monsoon conditions and stubborn opposition before getting their Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens campaign off to a winning start against Japan.

The newly crowned World champions ran out 14-5 victors but had to come from behind before taking the honours at Hong Kong Stadium.

The Japanese scored first through Kilryong So but the Welsh struck either side of half-time, first through Ifan Evans and then James Lewis. A new look Wales side attempted to spread the ball but the slippery conditions made free-running rugby a lottery.

With 30 points on offer to the Cup winners in Hong Kong, the 24-team event could go a long way to deciding the outcome of the Series.

With only one side guaranteed a place in the Cup quarter finals from each pool, the onus is on every team to score as many points as possible in Hong Kong.

That means Wales must go out first thing tomorrow and rack up the points up against China in their second pool game before facing the in-form English. China were walloped 54-0 today by England and Paul John's side are fully aware the red rose army pose a major obstacle if they are to progress to the knock-out stages.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland revealed that he was satisfied with the two wins from four games during the autumn's Under Armour Series. WRU TV recaps the matches against Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The All Blacks may be missing their captain Kieran Read, but Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde is wary of the world champions as they will want to finish their year on a positive note and maintain their unbeaten streak on tour.

Rhys Webb is 'over the moon' to be be starting this weekend as Wales seek a rare victory against New Zealand but the Ospreys scrum half is confident of a positive result so long as his team can stay in the game and concentrate fully for 80 minutes.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde, No 8 Seb Davies and captain Dan Lydiate believe there is enough experience and potential within the squad to brush aside the challenge of Georgia tomorrow at Principality Stadium.